U.S. Navy F-18E Super Hornet jets leave to support military operations against ISIL
U.S. Navy F-18E Super Hornet jets leave to support military operations against ISIL after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over Iraq, October 4, 2014 in this picture released by the US Air Force October 6, 2014. REUTERS/USAF/Staff Sgt. Shawn

Canadian MPs had a difference of opinion on Monday regarding the country's role in the Iraq mission.

Even though most of the Members of Parliament were in favour of getting involved in the mission at some level, the debate was about how far Canada's involvement should be. NDP MPs were in favour of Canada being restricted to extending its humanitarian support and weapon transfer only. Several MPs opposed the idea of being a part of the air strike against the Islamic State in the Middle East.

CBC News reported that the Conservative government offered further humanitarian support for the mission against IS as it anticipated the opposition to argue against sending troops for air combat. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said that around $10 million additional fund would be used for providing treatment and services to refugees who suffered sexual abuse in Iraq and Syria.

The larger part of the Monday debate was dedicated to discussing Canada's decision to plan 600 troops and six fighter planes in the air combat mission expected to run for six months. Canada, however, is not going to be a part of the mission in Syria as it will only be involved in the Iraq mission. The opposition, however, has its apprehension that the government may change its decision and get involved in the Syria mission as well.

According to Baird, Canada is going to be on a joint assessment mission with the United Kingdom that will identify further measure to be done to help IS victims. Baird also declared that an expert would be deployed to work with the UN Human Rights Council in Iraq. NDP Leader Tom Mulcair asked for certain amendments in the government's mission. The most significant change which NDP asked for ways to prevent Canadian troops from being a part of any kind of combat in Iraq. NDP also asked to limit the duration of the involvement to three months. The government will have to ask the House if there is a requirement of an extension. According to the amendment, the Canadian government must ask the House for permission before it decides to get involved in Syria as well.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au